Lions draft exposé

The 2008-9
Detroit Lions didn’t win a game after starting the preseason 4-0 in the second
year under Rod Marinelli, who brought in a plethora of “his” guys — guys
who were supposed to be hard-working and disciplined — from Tampa Bay and
elsewhere around the league.

That was
last year.

This year
heading into the ever-important off-season of Free Agency (Feb. 27) and the NFL
Draft, having already completed the Combine in Indianapolis, the Lions have
made changes to the coaching staff – Jim Swartz as head coach (previously
Tennessee defensive coordinator) and Gunther Cunningham as defensive
coordinator (previously Kansas City defensive coordinator); cut several veteran
players (a.k.a. players who’ve been a virus) like CB Leigh Bodden and WR Mike
Furrey among others; and decided NOT to make changes in the front office by
keeping GM Martin Mayhew and President Tom Lewand, although I actually haven’t
found anything they’ve done terrible…so far.

Undoubtedly,
this is the biggest rebuilding off-season in Detroit in a long time. Everything
that was built up over the last 8 years — Passing offense, defensive
scheme and stock-piled “so-called” talent — has come crumbling down and a
completely new approach is in the works while none of the coaching staff or
front office is releasing even the slightest of hints as to its makeup.

We, fans,
do know a couple of things though. We need O-lineman and defensive players of
all sorts. Now, that being said, I don’t think we’re in as bad of a situation
as the hysteria and hangover from a 0-16 season suggests. I think we have a few
pieces in place for starters and I think there are a lot of solid backups in
place as well. Does that mean I think we’re playoff material this season? No.
But, as you saw with the ‘Phins and Falcons last year, strange things can
happen.

I think the
Lions made a mistake with QB Orlovsky. To me, he showed major strides in
proving his ability as an NFL-caliber QB but the front office let him leave
because they told him he wouldn’t have a chance to compete for the starting
job, which apparently is being given to Culpepper. It’s not that I don’t think
Culpepper can get the job done, it’s that I think Orlovsky has a tremendous
throwing ability comparable to Aaron Rodgers or even Peyton Manning; how he has
such a quick release and how the ball seems to be on a line to receivers. I
hate to see him go somewhere and turn out to be everything his talent suggests.

Regardless,
I don’t like the Lions drafting ANY QB. Other concerns are more pressing and if
those are met, Culpepper can surely man the helms for at least this season.

Below is a
list of draft prospects I’ve researched and believe would be a good fit with
the Lions, assuming they would be available at picks 1 and 20 in the first
round. Also, I’ve included some prospects for later rounds I REALLY like.

Pick #

Name

Position

College

Build

Combine stats

Analysis

1

Aaron Curry

OLB

Wake Forest

6’2” 254 lbs.

4.56 40-yard dash; 25
bench reps; 37” vertical

Very versatile LB;
can play all LB positions in 3-4 and 4-3 D’s; Monster-compare to Sims
(Detroit), Merriman (SD), or even Lewis (Baltimore). No negatives. Never
missed a game due to injury.